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gratitude

10 Ways To Show Appreciation

Family plays a vital role in our lives, offering us emotional support, a sense of belonging, and physical strength. Sometimes, we take them for granted, forgetting how precious their presence is in our day-to-day lives. Whether it’s a traditional family or a chosen family of friends bound by love, the connection we share with those closest to us is a blessing. They’re there to celebrate our victories, provide comfort during tough times, and help us grow into the people we are meant to be.

Taking a moment to express gratitude for family can deepen our relationships and strengthen the bond we share. Simple acts like sending a text to check in, planning a game night, or reflecting on shared memories can make all the difference. Gratitude helps us appreciate not just the big moments, but the everyday acts of love and care that sometimes go unnoticed. Whether through words, actions, or quality time together, acknowledging our family’s importance reminds us of the value of connection, unity, and interdependence.

Family is a blessing that shapes us in ways we may not even realize—reminding us that even through imperfections, the love we share is always worth celebrating.

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Holiday Vibe Check

Thanksgiving is the season of gratitude, but let’s be real — life doesn’t automatically feel amazing just because it’s the holidays. School might feel like it’s dragging, friendships can get messy, or things might just feel “meh.”

Here’s the thing: even when life isn’t perfect, taking a minute to count your blessings can change your whole perspective. It doesn’t have to be big stuff — think about your favorite song, a friend who always checks in, or a cozy hoodie you love. Noticing the good things, even the little ones, makes your day feel brighter.

And don’t forget — you can be a blessing to someone else too! A simple act of kindness, like a compliment or helping someone out, can make someone’s day. It’s a win-win: you spread positivity and feel more grateful in the process.

So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment to appreciate what’s good in your life and find ways to spread those good vibes. Gratitude isn’t just for the holidays — it’s a game-changer all year round.

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The Gratitude Effect : Discovering the Mental, Emotional, and Physical Benefits of Blessing Counting

A few years ago, I made a life-changing decision: I chose to focus on the positive instead of the negative. That simple shift — choosing gratitude — has profoundly impacted my life and those around me. I learned that it’s impossible to be thankful and negative at the same time because gratitude changes our perspective. It brings joy, optimism, and peace into our hearts, transforming situations for the better.

Expressing thankfulness enhances our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. It strengthens relationships, improves mental health, and can even boost physical health by reducing stress and improving sleep. Most importantly, counting our blessings welcomes God into our lives, grounding us in His promises. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us, God blesses us abundantly so we can thrive in all things, at all times. When we shift our focus to gratitude, we unlock peace, renewed energy, and strength to stay on the path God has set before us.

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Count Your Blessings: Name Them One by One

Ever felt like life is tossing you around like a leaf in a storm? On those “tempest-tossed” days, it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come and the ways you’ve been lifted along the way. That’s when the old wisdom of “counting your blessings” can shift your perspective. The hymn Count Your Blessings reminds us to pause, reflect, and name the ways God has shown up — providing in moments of need, offering comfort in sorrow, and giving strength for the journey. Gratitude isn’t just positive thinking; it’s a grounding practice that turns discouragement into hope. As you count your blessings, you’ll discover that God’s faithfulness brings peace for today and confidence for tomorrow.

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Built to Last: The Unseen Strength Behind StrongHome’s Success

Building StrongHome has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging seasons of our lives. From launching podcasts and producing a monthly magazine to securing sponsors and planning community events, the workload has been immense. Balancing all of this with personal and family responsibilities is no small feat. But what keeps us moving forward is resilience — the ability to rise after setbacks, adapt to unexpected challenges, and keep pushing toward the vision God has given us.

Resilience transforms overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. It’s what allows us to see obstacles as opportunities for growth. Through faith, gratitude, and self-care, we’ve cultivated the strength to stay focused and grounded in the midst of chaos. With resilience, we thrive, not just survive.

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The Art of “I AM” Harnessing the Power of Affirmation for Identity

The words “I AM” carry immense power, shaping how we define ourselves and how the world perceives us. When we say “I am angry” or “I am sad,” we’re not merely describing feelings; we’re affirming who we are in that moment. These words can either empower us or limit us, shaping our identity based on what we choose to claim. Our identities are often formed in childhood by the words and actions of those around us, absorbing lessons and values from family and culture. But as we grow, we gain the ability to reshape who we are by what we choose to affirm about ourselves. For those of us with mixed heritage, this process of self-definition is even more complex, as we navigate a world that often wants to label us, but we ultimately decide who we are. Through exploration, learning, and experience, we can embrace our multifaceted selves. It’s through the simple yet profound declaration of “I am” that we can authentically express our true identity, embracing all the worlds that make us whole.

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Setting Healthy Financial Boundaries

Setting and maintaining healthy financial boundaries is essential to regaining control over your financial life. By keeping a household budget, you can track your income and expenses, preventing overspending on unnecessary items. Prioritizing your financial goals gives you the confidence to say “no” to expenses that don’t align with your long-term objectives, allowing you to focus on what’s truly important for your financial well-being. It’s crucial to recognize that saying “no” to certain things ultimately empowers you to say “yes” to better financial security. However, you may face resistance from those around you, so it’s important to communicate your boundaries effectively. Additionally, resist the urge to compare your financial situation with others, as appearances can be deceiving. Focusing on your own financial journey, while practicing gratitude for what you already have, will lead to greater peace of mind and help you direct your energy toward achieving your goals and financial freedom.

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